Pokémon Go Giovanni rewards and counters for August 2025

Capturing rare Shadow Legendaries in Pokémon Go requires facing the elusive Team Rocket leader, Giovanni. This formidable opponent rotates his roster quarterly, with Shadow Dialga currently serving as his ace since the Crown Clash: Takeover event began. Our guide details optimal strategies to outmatch his team and secure victory.

Locating Giovanni

To confront Giovanni, trainers must first obtain a Super Rocket Radar through these steps:

Finish the Crown Clash: Taken Over Special Research missions
Defeat Team Rocket Leaders Arlo, Cliff, and Sierra to earn the radar
Scan PokéStops using the radar until Giovanni appears (watch for decoy grunts)

Multiple attempts may be needed, but victory grants unlimited rematches until his Legendary is caught.

Giovanni’s Battle Roster

First Pokémon	Second Pokémon	Third Pokémon
	Rhyperior
	Kangaskhan
Persian	Nidoking	Dialga

Combat Strategy

Giovanni employs dual Protect Shields, requiring calculated approaches:

Lead Slot: Primal Kyogre or high-tier Water/Ground attacker
Secondary: Mega Lucario (Fighting) or equivalent
Anchor: Primal Groudon or top-tier Ground/Fighting specialist

Countering Persian

Exploit its Fighting weakness using Terrakion or Machamp. Deploy switching tactics to exploit Giovanni’s 2-second delay after roster changes.

Mid-Battle Threats

Rhyperior: Deploy Water/Grass types like Mega Swampert or Kartana
Nidoking: Utilize Psychic or Ground attackers including Mewtwo
Kangaskhan: Maintain Fighting specialists like Annihilape

Defeating Shadow Dialga

Capitalize on Ground/Fighting vulnerabilities with choices like:
– Primal Groudon (Mud Shot/Precipice Blades)
– Mega Garchomp
– Shadow Garchomp
Reserve backup fighters like Conkeldurr for prolonged battles.

Victory Rewards

Successful challengers receive:
– 5,000 Stardust
– Max Potions/Revives
– Unova Stone chances
– Ultra Hero medal progress
– Shadow Palkia capture opportunity